Rockstar Games has pushed the release date of Grand Theft Auto 6 to May 26, 2026, moving it out of the previously announced fall 2025 window. This confirmation came earlier in May, following widespread speculation that a delay was likely. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed the new date in an interview just before the company’s latest earnings call. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
Why GTA 6 was delayed despite Take-Two’s confidence
Zelnick had publicly expressed “high confidence” in hitting the original 2025 release window. The change of plans raised questions, especially given his repeated reassurances. According to Zelnick, the delay was based on Rockstar’s need for extra polish to meet its internal quality standards. He described the time extension as “a small amount of incremental time” that would allow the studio to fully realize its vision. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
Rockstar wants to finish without compromises
The decision to delay GTA 6 was described as a move to ensure the game launches without creative limitations. Zelnick said the polish required only became clear as the game neared completion. He fully backed Rockstar’s request for more time, indicating that the studio is committed to delivering a project that aligns with its high expectations. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
GTA 6 development only started in 2020
Though the project had long been rumored, Zelnick confirmed that Rockstar began working on GTA 6 “in earnest” in 2020. That was two years after Red Dead Redemption 2 launched and seven years after GTA 5 first appeared on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This relatively recent development timeline underscores how much remains to be done. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
New GTA 6 trailer and screenshots show major progress
Shortly after the delay announcement, Rockstar released the game’s most detailed trailer to date, along with a batch of high-resolution screenshots. All footage shown was reportedly captured in-game. The visual quality has impressed fans and game developers, hinting at a technically ambitious open-world project. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
GTA 6 delay eases Take-Two’s packed 2025 schedule
Take-Two has several major releases scheduled for 2025. This makes the GTA 6 delay less disruptive to its broader launch calendar. Zelnick confirmed that Mafia: The Old Country is coming in August. Borderlands 4 is set to follow in September. Civilization 7 will arrive earlier in the year. Ongoing player engagement in GTA Online and Red Dead Online also helps maintain momentum. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
Zelnick: Delay is a “worthwhile investment”
Take-Two’s CEO framed the delay as a strategic decision that serves both business and creative goals. By allowing Rockstar additional time, he believes the studio will deliver a higher-quality title. Zelnick characterized the move as a “worthwhile investment” that reflects the long-term value GTA 6 holds for the company. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
The Warhammer Conference, the only academic event dedicated to the scholarly exploration of the Warhammer universe, is set to return this September in Heidelberg, Germany. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the conference will once again delve into philosophical, theoretical, and literary analyses of Warhammer’s dark and complex lore. The 2nd edition will be available to attend both in person and through live stream, aiming to reach not only academics but also Warhammer fans worldwide. Last year’s talks, such as discussions on the ethics of the Imperium’s war with Chaos, Tyranid xenobiology, and the physics of Warp space, are available on the Warhammer Conference YouTube channel. This year’s program, to be announced in August, promises similarly thought-provoking content. Academics interested in presenting can submit abstracts until June 30. Source:PC Gamer
Warhammer Ethics: The Imperium’s War with Chaos Under Scrutiny
In his presentation, Markus Ressel examines the ethical ambiguity at the heart of Warhammer 40,000. He questions whether the Imperium’s ruthless methods in combating Chaos mirror the very chaos it seeks to eradicate. The Imperium, governed by the decrees of the God-Emperor, enforces order through fear, repression, and unyielding orthodoxy, often at the expense of countless lives. This raises the unsettling question: in its quest to combat Chaos, has the Imperium itself become chaotic?
Tyranid Xenobiology Compared to Real-Life Eusocial Insects
Another notable presentation draws parallels between the Tyranids and real-life eusocial insects. The talk explores what drives Tyranid behavior—whether external factors like diet and chemical signals shape it, or if genetics dictate it. Tom Reichert’s presentation delves into the physics of Warp space, exploring its conceptual framework within the Warhammer universe. The talk aims to provide a scientific perspective on the lore’s depiction of Warp space and its implications. Source:PC Gamer
Warhammer Conference Details and Participation
The Warhammer Conference is scheduled for September 26–27, 2025, at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. The event will be accessible both in person and online via livestream. Organizers aim to reach a wide audience of Warhammer enthusiasts by sharing all talks online. Academics interested in presenting can submit abstracts until June 30, 2025. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
Diving into Mortal Shell felt like stepping into a familiar, fog-shrouded land, yet one with a distinctly different rhythm. Developed by Cold Symmetry, this title doesn’t shy away from its inspirations – the challenging combat, the oppressive atmosphere, the cryptic lore, it’s all woven into its fabric. But Mortal Shell isn’t just another clone; it introduces a core mechanic so central and unique that it fundamentally changes the way you approach encounters. It’s a game that earns its place in the Souls-like pantheon, even if it doesn’t quite reach the lofty peaks of the genre’s titans.
The Shell System: Wearing Your Defenses
The absolute standout feature, the thing that defines Mortal Shell, is its Shell system. You start as a frail, spectral being known only as the Foundling. To survive the hostile world of Fallgrim and beyond, you need to inhabit the bodies – the shells – of fallen warriors. Think of them as different classes or starting builds, but intrinsically tied to the lore and your moment-to-moment gameplay.
There are four distinct shells to discover throughout the game, each with its backstory hinted at through fragmented lore, unique stats (health, stamina, resolve), and a dedicated skill tree you can invest in using Tar (the game’s ‘souls’) and Glimpses (a secondary currency). Finding a new shell feels significant; it’s not just a new set of armor, it’s a whole new way to potentially play the game.
The first shell you’re likely to find, and the one I ended up using for my entire playthrough, is Harros, the Vassal. I recall the transcript mentioning a ‘Hardener’ shell, and Harros fits that bill perfectly with his balanced stats and abilities focused on the game’s other signature mechanic: Hardening. Honestly, Harros felt so capable and versatile that while I experimented briefly with the other shells – Tiel (high stamina, low health), Solomon (high resolve for weapon skills), and Eredrim (massive health pool, low stamina) – I always found myself drawn back to the reliability of the first. For me, Harros provided more than enough capability to conquer everything the game threw my way.
Upgrading a shell feels rewarding. You unlock perks that might enhance your hardening, increase familiarity gains with weapons, or grant passive benefits. It adds a layer of progression beyond simple stat increases, letting you tailor your chosen shell somewhat to your playstyle.
Mortal Shell’s combat loop revolves heavily around the Harden ability. At almost any time – mid-swing, mid-dodge, while recovering – you can instantly turn your character to stone. This hardened state absorbs the next incoming hit completely, often staggering weaker foes and allowing you a crucial moment to reposition or counter-attack. After the initial hit absorption, the effect lingers briefly, offering some damage reduction for subsequent blows if you’ve unlocked certain perks.
This mechanic replaces the traditional block or relies less heavily on parrying (though parrying exists and is tied to the Resolve meter for powerful ripostes). Mastering the timing of Harden is crucial. It’s not just a defensive panic button; it’s an offensive tool, allowing you to absorb a hit mid-combo and continue your assault without interruption. It encourages aggressive play but demands careful resource management, as Harden has a cooldown. Learning enemy attack patterns to know when to Harden for maximum effect becomes the core combat puzzle.
Complementing the Shells and hardening system are the weapons. There are only four main choices, but each feels distinct. I spent most of my time with the Hallowed Sword, a versatile greatsword that felt like the most ‘standard’ Souls weapon – good reach, decent speed, satisfying impact. You can use it one-handed or two-handed. Since Harden acts as your shield, there’s no traditional shield to equip, which pushes players into a more active, aggressive defensive style.
The Smoldering Mace offers slow but staggering power. The Martyr’s Blade delivers icy, heavy swings with significant weight. The Hammer and Chisel provides rapid, agile attacks that work well with stamina-rich builds like Tiel. Each weapon has light and heavy moves plus a unique Resolve-based skill. Despite the small number, every weapon encourages experimentation and has its own synergy with specific Shells.
There’s a strong melee focus with almost no ranged options, which reinforces the tight, close-quarters combat design. The system is smaller in scale than genre giants but tightly designed and distinct in feel.
Difficulty and Accessibility: A Gentler Introduction?
Compared to the brutal heights of FromSoftware’s recent offerings, Mortal Shell presents a gentler, though still significant, challenge. Bosses have learnable patterns, and the Harden mechanic provides a substantial safety net once mastered. I found myself defeating most bosses within a handful of attempts, a far cry from the hours spent banging my head against certain walls in other Souls-likes. The enemy placement can be tricky, and navigating the world has its hazards, but the core combat, once understood, feels manageable.
This makes Mortal Shell a potentially good entry point for players curious about the genre but intimidated by its reputation. It teaches core concepts like stamina management, attack patterns, and environmental awareness without being overly punishing. However, its overall polish and visual presentation might not grab you as quickly as Lies of P. That game offers a smoother experience with stronger visuals. But Mortal Shell’s unique mechanics could resonate more with certain players. It’s a trade-off. For newcomers, I’d still recommend Lies of P first due to its clear progression and visual quality. Mortal Shell, however, is a solid and slightly less demanding alternative. Souls veterans might find the difficulty lower, but the Shell and Harden systems still offer engaging depth.
Visually and atmospherically, Mortal Shell treads familiar ground. The world of Fallgrim is a decaying, swampy, perpetually overcast landscape filled with grotesque enemies, ruined architecture, and hidden pathways. It effectively captures that signature sense of melancholy and oppression common to the genre. The enemy designs are suitably creepy, and the various environments, from the central swamp hub to obsidian temples and icy caverns, offer decent visual variety.
However, the visuals haven’t aged perfectly. While competent, they lack the detail and fidelity of more recent, higher-budget titles. Textures can occasionally look muddy, and the overall color palette is quite muted. It’s atmospheric, yes, but not breathtaking in the way Elden Ring or Demon’s Souls Remake can be. It gets the job done, creating a hostile and unwelcoming world, but it doesn’t push any visual boundaries.
Navigation can also be a bit confusing. The world design is somewhat labyrinthine, and the game doesn’t hold your hand. This is standard for the genre and part of the appeal for many, encouraging exploration and discovery. However, there were moments, as mentioned in the transcript, where progression felt obtuse. I didn’t accidentally finish the game early, but I can see how the cryptic nature of objectives and NPC interactions could lead to confusion or missing key paths. The game uses shrines (Sester Genessa) as its bonfire equivalents, where you upgrade skills and respawn enemies.
The sound design is solid, with weighty weapon impacts and unsettling enemy noises. The music is generally understated ambient tracks, punctuated by more dramatic boss themes. Nothing stood out as truly exceptional, though the transcript’s mention of a RuneScape-esque tune played on a lute-like instrument did ring a bell – a quirky, memorable moment in an otherwise somber soundscape.
Mortal Shell occupies an interesting space. It’s an ambitious indie title that successfully introduces genuinely unique mechanics into a well-trodden genre. The Shell and Harden systems are compelling and refreshingly change the combat rhythm. It’s challenging enough to satisfy the Souls’ itch but accessible enough not to completely deter newcomers.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The limited weapon and shell variety might feel restrictive compared to larger titles. The visuals are functional but dated. The world design, while atmospheric, can sometimes be confusing. As noted in the discussion, getting it for free (as it was on Epic Games) or heavily discounted makes it an easy recommendation. At full price (around €20-30), the value proposition depends on the player.
For absolute newcomers, it’s a decent, less punishing entry point, though perhaps less polished than Lies of P. For Souls veterans who have played everything else? It’s worth experiencing for its unique mechanics alone. It might not have the depth, polish, or epic scale of a FromSoftware game, but Cold Symmetry delivered a focused, inventive, and ultimately enjoyable Souls-like experience that confidently carves out its own identity. It’s a testament to how core design innovation can elevate a game beyond its budgetary constraints.
With the Picture-by-Picture (PbP) format, Twitch now automatically mutes the stream’s audio whenever an ad begins. The main video continues to play in a smaller window above the chat, but without sound. This change is part of Twitch’s new ad experience rollout, which aims to allow uninterrupted visual content while advertising runs. However, once the ad ends, Twitch does not automatically restore the stream audio. Viewers are left with a muted stream and have to manually unmute it to resume listening. This adds friction to the experience and can result in viewers missing key parts of the stream if they don’t realize the sound is off. The platform has not communicated this behavior clearly in advance, and some users initially believed it to be a bug rather than an intentional feature. ➤ (Source: GameRant)
Viewer Reactions and Workarounds
Viewer reactions to the PbP ad implementation have been largely negative, especially due to the persistent mute after ads. Many users feel this is a poor user experience, particularly when they return to a stream and find it unexpectedly silent. On social platforms and Twitch-related forums, users have raised concerns that Twitch is prioritizing advertiser needs over viewer convenience.
As a result, some have turned to browser-level solutions to restore functionality. Scripts and extensions on platforms like Greasy Fork detect when an ad starts and ends. They actively mute the stream during the ad and unmute it once the ad finishes. These tools help viewers bring back the seamless experience they had before Twitch introduced the PbP system. However, relying on third-party scripts presents limitations. Not all users are comfortable installing custom code in their browser, and these tools may break if Twitch updates its platform or ad logic.
Streamers have voiced concerns over how the change affects their audiences. Because viewers may not realize their stream is muted after an ad, engagement can suffer. Important conversations, game-changing moments, or key instructions may be missed. This can lead to repeated questions in chat or confusion during live broadcasts.
Some creators have noted a visible drop in interaction during and shortly after ad breaks. This undermines the continuity of the stream, especially in community-driven or narrative-heavy broadcasts. For smaller streamers trying to build an audience, even minor disruptions to viewer flow can have a long-term impact. They also lack control over the ad mechanics, as the muting behavior is imposed by the platform and cannot be toggled off. ➤ (Source: GameRant)
Twitch Rationale
Twitch has not published an official, in-depth explanation for why the stream remains muted after ads conclude. The only formal communication is the feature page on the Twitch Help site, which explains the PbP ad design but does not justify the persistent mute. One plausible reason is that Twitch wants viewers to focus fully on the ad, both visually and aurally, increasing the effectiveness of impressions and boosting advertiser satisfaction.
However, by not restoring audio automatically, Twitch is placing the burden on users to restore their experience. The lack of transparency about this choice has left streamers and viewers guessing about the platform’s intentions, fueling further criticism in the community.
Community Feedback and Future Developments
Feedback from both viewers and streamers continues to accumulate. The Twitch community has raised the issue across platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord. Some request a toggle to allow automatic unmute after ads, while others call for the option to opt out of PbP entirely. Despite the growing concerns, Twitch has not yet indicated any plans to adjust the feature or roll out new options. ➤ (Source: GameRant)
The silence from Twitch has led to speculation about whether the PbP system will remain unchanged or see future revisions. Until then, users are left with makeshift workarounds and platform limitations. Streamers continue to adapt, occasionally adding audio cues or visual reminders in their overlays to warn viewers about the mute behavior post-ad. Whether this becomes standard practice or Twitch revisits the design remains to be seen. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
Stepping into the Shadow Realm, the Land of Shadow, feels less like returning to Elden Ring and more like diving headfirst into an entirely new beast. FromSoftware wasn’t kidding around with this DLC. Forget everything you thought you mastered in the Lands Between; Shadow of the Erdtree demands more, pushes harder, and ultimately delivers an experience that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with, and in many ways surpasses, its phenomenal base game. It’s not just an add-on; for me, this felt like a completely new game, a true evolution.
Let’s get the most pressing point out of the way first: the difficulty. If you found the base game challenging, prepare yourself. Shadow of the Erdtree takes the dial, rips it off, and throws it into a volcano. The step-up isn’t gradual; it’s a sheer cliff face. Bosses hit harder, their attack patterns are more complex, faster, and often cover vast areas. There’s an extravagance to the encounters now – significantly more elemental chaos, area-of-effect (AoE) attacks that demand precise dodging, and relentless aggression that leaves little room for error. Fire, ice, lightning – you name it, it’s thrown at you with alarming frequency and power.
This increased challenge isn’t just about inflated numbers, though. It feels earned. The bosses themselves are spectacles, intricately designed monstrosities and warriors that require you to learn, adapt, and execute flawlessly. It brought back that old-school Souls feeling of hitting a wall, studying the enemy, refining your strategy, and finally achieving that incredibly satisfying victory. You will struggle. You will die, a lot. But the triumphs feel monumental because the hurdles are genuinely significant. This isn’t difficulty for difficulty’s sake; it’s a finely tuned challenge that respects the player’s skill while demanding absolute focus. It will absolutely break a sweat for most players, forcing you to dig deep into your Souls toolkit.
Gameplay Approach and New Toys
Thankfully, FromSoftware didn’t just crank up the enemy stats. They gave us players new tools and significantly expanded the ways we can approach combat. The DLC introduces a wealth of new weapons, Ashes of War, spells, and incantations. These aren’t just reskins; many offer genuinely novel ways to play. The visual flair associated with these new abilities is also a huge step up. Expect more vibrant particle effects, more dramatic animations – more everything. Using some of the new weapon arts feels powerful and looks spectacular, adding another layer of engagement to the already solid combat system.
This diversity extends to boss encounters too. While the core mechanics remain – dodging, parrying (if you dare), managing stamina – the sheer variety in boss design often encourages experimentation. Some fights might favor a more aggressive approach, while others demand patience and careful positioning. The increased number of AoE attacks means spatial awareness is more critical than ever. You have more possibilities, more ways to build your character and tailor your strategy to overcome specific threats. It rewards creativity and understanding the tools at your disposal. I found myself constantly tweaking my build, trying different weapon combinations, and rediscovering the joy of experimentation that Elden Ring fostered so well, but amplified here. Stuck mostly to my preferred heavy melee build, augmented with some of the new weapon arts, but the sheer potential for one-shot builds or intricate spell combinations is definitely there for those who enjoy theory-crafting. I just prefer playing through ‘naturally’ the first time around.
A World Drenched in Atmosphere and Visual Splendor
Visually, Shadow of the Erdtree is astonishing. While Elden Ring was already a beautiful game in its own stark, often brutal way, the DLC feels richer, more vibrant, more detailed. It’s not necessarily about a massive graphical leap in terms of raw fidelity – the engine is the same – but the art direction, the environmental design, and the use of color and light are phenomenal. The contrast between light and dark is executed masterfully.
You’ll explore sprawling new regions, from dizzying mountain peaks where thunderstorms rage constantly and elemental drakes rule the skies, to deep, hauntingly beautiful underground cities. I recall descending into one such subterranean area – Nox, I think it was called, or something similar – and being utterly captivated. You’re deep underground, yet above you stretches a false sky filled with stars. Ghostly, spirit-like enemies patrol the ethereal architecture. It’s mind-bending, atmospheric, and visually stunning. These moments, where the environment itself tells a story and evokes a powerful mood, are plentiful. The sense of scale remains immense, but the density of unique locations and visual set pieces feels even greater than in the base game. It genuinely felt like they put a tremendous amount of work into creating new content, not just recycling old assets. Even comparing screenshots from the base game to the DLC, the difference in visual richness is noticeable.
Bosses: The Pinnacle of Design (and Pain)
I’ve touched on the difficulty, but the bosses deserve their own spotlight. FromSoftware has outdone themselves here. The sheer creativity on display is breathtaking. From hulking knights and grotesque abominations to majestic, terrifying dragons and figures pulled from the deepest lore, each major encounter feels distinct and memorable.
Take Radahn, for example – a name whispered with dread. The fight is a relentless spectacle, a true test of endurance and skill. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, bosses reveal second phases, new move sets, or call upon spectral allies (like that ghost bitch emerging from Radahn – pure BDSM, that fight). Some of the dragon encounters are simply fantastic – unbelievably hard but also cinematic marvels, with attacks that reshape the battlefield.
While I don’t want to spoil too much, the design philosophy seems geared towards pushing the player constantly. The windows for attack can be tight, the punishment for mistakes severe. Yet, the choreography of these fights, the way attacks flow and telegraph (once you learn them), is exceptional. They feel like intricate, deadly dances. Overcoming them provides that signature Souls satisfaction, amplified by the sheer scale and spectacle. These encounters are not just roadblocks; they are the highlights, the moments that will stick with you long after you’ve put the controller down.
Building on a Legendary Foundation
While Shadow of the Erdtree feels remarkably fresh, it’s still built upon the tried-and-true FromSoftware template. The core elements are here: the equivalent of bonfires for resting and leveling (Sites of Grace), the familiar NPC quest structures (often cryptic and easy to miss), weapon upgrades, and the overarching dark-fantasy tone. The storytelling remains environmental and item-description based, rewarding exploration and interpretation. In this sense, it’s undeniably an extension of Elden Ring, a continuation of its world and mechanics.
But calling it just “more Elden Ring” does it a disservice. It’s like saying a masterpiece sequel is “just more of the original.” It takes that fantastic foundation and builds upon it significantly, refining mechanics, expanding possibilities, and dialing up the intensity and visual splendor. It’s Dark Souls Plus, Elden Ring Plus – it’s the next logical, yet somehow still surprising, step in the evolution of the formula. It learned from the base game and elevated nearly every aspect.
Sounds and Feelings
The sound design and music also deserve praise. The ambient sounds create a thick atmosphere, but the boss music? Spectacular. Epic orchestral scores swell during critical moments, particularly during the final encounters, perfectly matching the on-screen intensity. It genuinely enhances the experience, although admittedly, after getting pummeled for the tenth time, sometimes you need to turn it down just to focus on survival!
For me, personally, Shadow of the Erdtree now sits at the absolute pinnacle of the Souls-like mountain. It shares that top spot in my heart only with Sekiro, mainly due to a strong emotional connection I have with that game. But objectively? Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree might just be the best thing FromSoftware has ever produced. It’s a staggering achievement, a challenging, rewarding, and visually stunning expansion that feels essential. It’s not just DLC; it’s a masterpiece in its own right, setting an incredibly high bar for whatever comes next (looking at you, ED:Nightreign). Erdree is an experience that blew me away, exceeding already high expectations, and reminding me why this developer remains the undisputed king of the genre they helped define. If you loved Elden Ring, this isn’t optional. It’s the culmination.
About the Game
Title: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Type of Game: Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG), Soulslike Expansion DLC Developer: FromSoftware Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment Release Date: June 21, 2024 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Game Reviewed: PC Game
